Bike for Kids Idaho: Special needs kids get first bike rides

It is no secret that Idaho and Western Wyoming has avid bicyclists, but within many communities like Idaho Falls there are many kids that have never gotten the opportunity to ride a bike.

“The ability to ride a bike … we just take for granted,” said Bike for Kids Idaho Event Director Kristy Mickelsen. “A lot of us learn to ride when we’re five and we go off and enjoy the summer riding.”

In the last two months, Bike for Kids Idaho has given seven bikes to special needs children throughout eastern Idaho. That doesn’t include the two that were given at the Bike for Kids appreciation ride this Monday.

“It’s just eye opening and it’s such a pleasure to see these children and their families, it just makes it all worth it,” Mickelsen said.

Ashton Wuthrick was one of Monday’s recipients. He was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at birth.

“We had no idea that he had (Down syndrome). We had no idea that he had a heart defect or any of the mental issues that he had, until he was born,” said Aston’s mother, J.D. Henderson.

Until a year ago, Ashton was able to live a very active life. His parents even bought him a tricycle, but his father Bill Wuthrick said Ashton couldn’t go far without getting short of breath. Now Ashton is on oxygen and has to keep an oxygen tank by his side at all times.

“It’s hard to see him that way,” he said.

An active lifestyle could become easier for Ashton following a donation from Bike for Kids Idaho. The organization has provided him with an adaptable bicycle to accommodate his oxygen tank.

Bike for Kids Idaho will join the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for a family fun day on Saturday, June 13. The event will offer a barbecue, carnival, and family bike ride. The event is free to the public and will be hosted at Snake River Landing at 10 a.m.